Things That Work With Magnets

Roz Zurko

Most homes have magnets working to keep their notes, kids pictures and recipes adhered to the door of their refrigerators. Magnetic clasps can be used to keep necklaces and bracelets from falling off when worn. Many toys work with magnets. These unassuming pieces of metal are found not only at work around the house, but have been adapted to work in technology today.

Magnets used in junk yard cranes

Can Opener

Electric can openers have magnets that grab the top of the can that is cut away so that it does not fall back into the open can. The magnet not only makes it easier to access the contents of the can, but acts as a safety feature. You do not have to fish the sharp edged top out of the open can with your fingers.

Cabinet Drawer

Many kitchen and bathroom cabinets doors would not stay shut without the magnet that holds them together. The magnet works to seal the door to the body of the cabinet, much like a lock. Without the magnetized latch, the door would not work correctly.

MRI

MR imaging uses a powerful magnet to form a magnetic field. This magnetic field along with the radio frequency pulses and a computer work to form detailed pictures of organs, bones and soft tissues of the human body. An MRI contains a primary magnet and gradient magnets that work to regulate the strength of the imaging to the different areas of the body, according to the website Cardiology HD.

Credit Card Machines

Credit card and ATM machines contain electromagnets that work to read the magnetic strip on a credit card. When the card is swiped through the machine, the data are read by the movement of the magnetized spots causing small electrical voltages that read the data on the card, according to the website High Tech Aid.

Magnetic Crane

A large magnet is used in many car demolition businesses. Instead of using a mechanical claw on the arm of a crane to grab and pick up a car, a gigantic magnet is used to lock onto the metal of the car's roof so that it can be moved. This method is used to stack the crushed cars or to deposit a car into the crusher.